Hello again, everyone, and welcome back to my Halo/Star Wars crossover redux.

Thank you all for your wonderful feedback and support I deeply appreciate it.

I'm deeply thankful for your feedback in the previous chapter. I'm glad that all of you enjoyed seeing the pirates and criminals of Genarius getting their just desserts. There will be one more short story covering an event that happens during the batlte, after which the short stories will cover events that are not explained by later main story chapter.

As always, leave a review, and enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own the Halo or Star Wars franchises. They are the respective properties and trademarks of Microsoft Studios, 343 Industries, Bungie, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Fox, Disney Films, etc. Any material original to the franchises belongs to their respective developers, producers and publishers. Any material not original to the franchises is of my own invention. I do not own any music listed in each chapter. Any music listed belongs to its original composers and/or artists.


Earth

HIGHCOM Facility Bravo-6

August 6th, 0BBY, 13:00 Hrs (March 17th, 2559, 1300 Hrs)

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome," Vice Admiral Stark, the 'briefing boy' in the room said as the other members of HIGHCOM entered the room. "As you all know, at 1400 hours local time yesterday, the forces under RADM Lasky, General Speakman, Fleetmistress 'Juran and General 'Vrotam's command achieved a decisive military victory against the pirate syndicates controlling Despatar. However, as you've noted, we have a long list of casualties from the battle.

The others frowned as they nodded. "I'm shocked that we had the severe casualties we did," Hogan said. "A global casualty rate of 30% over the course of two days? That's not good."

"I agree," Strauss said. "That's means that, out of the full division that we sent, only fourteen thousand people came back alive and well."

"Not exactly," Parangosky said. "According to Lasky's AAR, we lost around four thousand people in taking what can be generally considered a highly developed city. The remaining two thousand were actually severely injured. I've been told, however, that the Sangheili's help greatly reduced the amount of projected casualties."

Hood nodded. I had a feeling that was the case, he thought. "I agree. Without the Sangheili's help, we would've had casualty rates closer to that of the Covenant-UNSC War than we actually had, and you don't need me to remind you of what those casualty rates were."

"Yeah," Strauss said, a frown on his face. "Those rates were quite high, unacceptably so. However, I believe that it was more than just having the Sangheili contribute that lowered the casualty rates. Correct, Vice Admiral Stark?"

Stark nodded. "Correct. According to Lasky's AAR, the other reason the casualty rates were lower than expected was due to the nature of the pirate and criminal syndicates in the city. According to Lasky, while the pirate and criminal syndicates were fighting quite well, they were having difficulty coordinating effectively with each other. An analysis that Cortana attached to the AAR indicates that some of the pirates and criminals were actually shooting at each other."

Hood and the others shared a glance. "They were legitimately shooting at each other, rather than focusing on the threat before them?" Hogan asked. "Why would they do that? Wouldn't it make sense to eliminate the enemy first, then go back to your business?"

"It's not that surprising," Parangosky said, drawing everyone's attention to her. "After the Covenant-UNSC War, some members of ONI Section One, mainly historians that we had hired for historical analyses, found that the Covenant was much the same. They seemed initially like a monolithic, cohesive force, but upon closer inspection of their society, they found numerous cracks and faults. In fact, according to Michael Jones, one of those historians, it was a wonder that the Covenant lasted as long as it did. Eventually, it would've ripped itself apart without any outside intervention."

"Faith and zeal were powerful enough to keep the Covenant together during most of the war," Hood observed. "When we destroyed Alpha Halo, though, that same faith and zeal drove them to destroy each other. That gave us the chance to not only survive, but to win as well."

"Exactly. However, in the case of the pirates and criminals, there were only two forces holding them together: fear of annihilation and greed. While those two forces served as a powerful unifying factor when we came along, it also led to them not trusting each other as much as we did trusting the Sangheili. In fact, the Despatar City Council appears to have been the only factor that held them together. Were it not for them, the pirate and criminal syndicates would've been at each other's throats."

"So you're saying that some of them thought they could eliminate the competition during the attack?" Strauss asked.

"That's exactly what I'm saying. Their own greed and fear of destruction unified them, but at the same time fractured them. How very ironic."

"Ironic indeed," Hood agreed. "However, they were united enough to cause us the casualty rates they did. Stark?"

"Correct," Stark said. "Most of the casualties were caused by disruptor sniper teams and heavy emplacement teams set up in siege positions. However, there's another factor that resulted in the pirates and criminals being defeated."

"And that might be?" Dellert asked.

"I know what it is," Strauss said. "Discipline and complacency."

"Explain," Hood said.

"The pirates and criminals might've had some of the best tech out there, but you saw what they were using it for: selling to other criminals, transporting slaves, etc. On top of that, most of the criminal syndicates in the city have very few people that have actually been in a professional military. That means you're going to have wildly varying standards of training and discipline, two of the factors that enable a soldier to be effective. Without good training and good discipline, there was no way that the pirates would've been able to coordinate a fully effective defense.

"On top of that, they were incredibly complacent. Yes they had an orbital defense fleet that was quite large, but few, if any, of the pirate and criminal captains of those ships had any military training. They also didn't believe that there was any military force strong enough to come and steamroller them like we did. Any threats to their existence could be bought off or intimidated. Those were effective strategies against the Empire, but not to a military force like the UNSC or Swords of Sangheilios, as we clearly saw at Despatar."

The others mused over Strauss' words. "That actually makes sense," Hogan said. "Combined with what Parangosky's presumption, and it fully explains why we were able to take the city of Despatar with lower than expected casualties, while intimidating the rest of the Cularin system to surrender: they never expected anyone to seriously challenge them. When it did happen, they literally reacted as any civilian would when under fire: they panicked and threw what they thought was effective against us, rather than taking the time to consider what would and wouldn't work."

"Precisely," Parangosky said. "With all of those factors combined, it's clear that a UNSC/Swords of Sangheilios victory at Cularin was a foregone conclusion. We were going to win from the very start. The only question was how many lives would we pay as the price for conducting this assault. Besides, urban combat environments are very difficult to fight in, as you and Strauss know very well. As such, I believe the casualty rates were quite acceptable."

"Acceptable, but still high nonetheless," Hood agreed. "However, I think we should know what the causes for the high casualty rates were. Stark, if you could?"

"Of course," Stark said. "According to Cortana and Roland's attached analyses, there were three leading factors in the casualty rates. The first was that the pirates and criminals had access to highly advanced military technologies. Part of this was highlighted during the naval battle that occurred in orbit."

"Explain," Parangosky and Hood said simultaneously, causing the two to glance at each other.

"According to the AAR, the Halcyon-class Light Cruiser Constantinople suffered an unusually high drain to their energy shields and MAC systems. According to Captain Deckard, the CO of the Constantinople, the enemy ship they were facing, a Keldabe-class Battlecruiser, used a form of energy transfer technology to 'leech' power from the systems similarly to how a leech draws blood for consumption from a living organism. The AI of the ship, Charlemagne, reported that the enemy ship used the power leeched from the Constantinople to boost the effectiveness and power of their weapon systems and deflector shields. However, Deckard was able to destroy the energy transfer system and founder the enemy ship."

Hood frowned. "That's not good news. If the Empire were to get their hands onto that kind of technology, they could sap the shields and power from our ships while supercharging their own! I presume that we've got one of these 'Keldabe's' back at Pantora now?"

"Yes. RADM Lasky has informed me and requested that I inform you. One of his chief engineers, Chief Engineer Jordan MacCallum, has been assigned to studying the ship's hyperdrive. Once Admiral Sark arrives at Pantora at 1400 hrs local time, she will be assigned to studying the ship, as well as the energy transfer technology on another Keldabe that the joint forces captured at Genarius."

"We we able to determine the source of the energy leeching technology?" Hood asked.

"Yes. According to Cortana, records at Despatar indicate that the energy leeching technology was initially developed by the Rebel Alliance. During their conversion into the New Republic, however, the schematics were stolen by the criminal elements within the Rebel Alliance and sold to Despatar. As far as we can tell, the schematics are all over the HoloNet by this point, so we may encounter ships with the same tech built into their superstructure."

"Meaning that it's fair game for anyone out there," Hogan groaned. "Wonderful."

Ignoring Hogan's sarcasm, Hood asked, "Do we have a countermeasure to the energy leeching technology?"

"No," Stark said. "However, once Admiral Sark begins studying the tech in question, she should be able to come up with a countermeasure."

Hood sighed. "That's good news. If she can create a countermeasure against the energy leeching technology the Keldabe ships use, that'll be one less advantage the Empire can use against us in the coming war. Now, back to the topic of discussion: the causes of the casualties."

"Yes, sir. According to Cortana, the second cause for the casualties was the layout of the city itself. Despatar is shaped like a sea urchin, with each spike being a private landing pad, while some of the areas built into the 'hull' of the station are public landing pads. This meant that, due to the very nature of the city's construction, the military forces were having to fight on a series of independent levels throughout the city.

"That slowed our forces down considerably, adding to the already difficult nature of urban warfare. On top of that, the pirates and criminals were more familiar to the city, allowing them to use various avenues of attack and espionage that our forces weren't familiar with. They were having to deal with infiltration teams that were attempting to sabotage the main advance into the city."

"Clever," Hogan said. "What was the final cause of the casualties?"

"Unorthodox tactics and weapons, as well as flaws in our own doctrines," Stark said. "According to reports compiled from the city, many of our forces were having to deal with exotic creatures that were trained and honed into killing machines. ODST Master Sergeant Stacker's report is particularly unnerving. According to his report, a fireteam he led encountered an organism known as a 'Sarlacc.' Details are on your datapads."

Hood looked through the datapad, then found what Stark mentioned. Upon reading it, he shook his head. "Great," he grumbled. "First we have a galaxy sized Empire and now… this: a sedentary creature that literally eats people. What evolutionary path allowed such a… thing to exist?"

"I have no idea," Stark said. "However, I think it's safe for everyone to say that Lasky found a crazy galaxy for us to explore. Still, could be worse. We might find a planet where no one fights, but instead parties all the time and.. well…" He blushed at the last part.

"Don't jinx us please," Hogan growled. "Idiot. Next thing you know, the Universe will go ahead and say, 'let's make it happen!' In all seriousness, though, what was the other cause of the casualties?"

"The design and use of our vehicles," Stark said. "According to Cortana's analysis, a staggering 40% of the casualties came from the use and design of our vehicles being exploited by the enemy, with 35% of the casualties being from the advanced technology being used, while the remaining 25% was due to some of the cohesive units within the criminal syndicates."

"Was it the Warthog?" Hogan asked.

"Unfortunately, yes. According to Cortana, the open canopy design of the Warthog, combined with its lack of armor plating meant that the criminal syndicates were able to use anti-tank weapons to great effect on them. Of the 450 or so Warthogs that went into Despatar, only 78 came back fully serviceable."

Hogan's face went red. "Motherfucker!" he snarled, throwing the datapad in his hands with such force that the screen fractured upon its impact with the wall. "Ever since I've been put onto the Security Council for the UNSC, I've been asking for a new vehicle to replace the Warthog and I got the money for it, only to have the money all hogged up by Section Three! Greedy motherfucking pigs!"

Strauss laid a hand on Hogan's shoulder. "Calm yourself, Hogan. Believe me, I share the same frustration with the damn politicians that you do, but now's not the time to lose your cool. Focus!"

Hogan's face remained red, then he took a few deep breaths. Once his face had returned to its usual color, he sighed. "You're right. Nothing we can do right now, other than finding out how to correct this egregious oversight. Continue, Stark."

"Thank you," Stark said. "In addition to the Warthog, we discovered that the usual practice of riding on the armor covering the tank tracks of the M808C and M808D Scorpion led to a larger number of casualties due to the exposed, unprotected seating on those track covers. Snipers and anti-infantry teams were the leading causes of death in all of those cases. In addition, the design of the M808C and M808D meant that they were forced to present their rear to the enemy when fighting against enemy tanks. Their 105mm ETC cannons, while effective against the Saber tanks in the city, had their effectiveness reduced when engaging Canderous Assault Hovertanks in the city."

The others frowned. "I see," Hood said. "What about the Swords of Sangheilios? Did they have the same troubles that we did?"

"A few, but for the most part, that's a resounding no. According to Cortana's analysis, the Swords of Sangheilios, due to their advanced technology and experience in fighting in this sort of environment enabled them to effectively combat the criminal syndicates. She believes that joint training missions are in order, and that we're to more closely work with the Sangheili to achieve victory in the wider galaxy, along with our New Republic allies."

"I see," Hood said. "I also noticed in the AAR that we had difficulty getting our ground troops to the surface. Why?"

"Partly due to the design of the city. The design of the city meant that it was very difficult to access large sections with our frigates, which are normally delegated to transporting vehicles and infantry across the void of space. While our Pelicans and Condors can effectively move vehicles and infantry, they do not have the carrying capacity to move large quantities of infantry and vehicles. To put it simply, we will need to design a ship that is wholly dedicated to transporting infantry, vehicles, or a combination of both."

"Thank you, Vice Admiral Stark," Hood said. "Is there anything else?"

"Yes," Stark said. "According to Lasky's AAR and Cortana's report, numerous teams found multiple bioweapon laboratories and manufacturing centers in Despatar. Recovered samples included a disease known as the Blue Shadow Virus. Some of the criminals were also experimenting with anthrax-like bacteria, including what are commonly known as 'brain rotting diseases.'"

"I see. Could you step out of the room for a minute?" Once Stark had done so, Hood said, "Well, the battle went well, but things could've gone better."

"Agreed," Hogan said. "However, if it wasn't for ONI and Parangosky, we might've gone in blind and gotten our asses kicked."

"Thank you," Parangosky said. "However, given what we have learned in the past few minutes, I believe we should discuss what we are to do now."

"That would be wise," Hood said. "Among our first priorities is to study the technology from Genarius and Desptatar in order to find new ways to counter the Empire, and to counter any criminal syndicates out there. That energy leeching technology is a prime example of why we have to do so. Parangosky, I'll need you to have Osman speak with RADM Lasky on which technologies ONI can have, and which ones the UNSC Engineering Corps can handle on their own."

"I will see to it that it is done," Parangosky said. "However, given his recent experiences with ONI, I believe Lasky might cause some… consternation."

"I'm sure he'll understand," Hood said. He is right to give you some trouble, though, he thought. Besides, ONI needs a little humbling.

Continuing, he said, "The other is that we'll have to design new vehicles. You heard it from Hogan and Stark: the vehicles that have served us well in the Covenant-UNSC War are no longer viable in the Andromeda Galaxy due to differing doctrines and challenges. If we're going to remain relevant as a military, we have to adapt, otherwise we will be defeated. Hogan, I want you to pressure the Armed Services Committee to authorize funding for a replacement to the Warthog using this battle as leverage. As cold hearted as it may seem, it is absolutely necessary if we're going to save lives."

Hogan nodded. "I swam with those sharks before, Hood. I'll make 'em listen, even if I have to drag them kicking and screaming to the meeting room. One of my engineers did have some preliminary IFV, APC and MBT designs that he's been wanting to try out for some time. Once I get the Armed Services Committee to agree, I'll have the UNSC Ordinance Commission test those vehicles out."

"Good," Hood said. "I'll see to it that Admiral Sark gets to study the pirate ships in as much detail as possible while Fleet Admiral Harper studies the tactics that the Empire and criminal syndicates use. The more we learn about our enemy's ships and naval doctrines, the more easily we can beat and counter them. We will also need our Medical Corps to develop vaccines and antibiotics capable of destroying any of the diseases recovered from the city of Despatar. That will allow us to fight back against any biological weapons the Empire creates. Are there any objections to this?" When no one answered, he said, "Good. This meeting is adjourned."

. . .

I think Despatar might've been the ultimate pack rat's nest, Lasky thought as he looked through various records of seizures and confiscations from the ground forces at Despatar. I've never seen this much contraband in my entire life. These guys were so complacent that they never even bothered to ship this stuff out by themselves.

He set the datapad holding some of the records onto his desk. Leaning forwards, he rubbed at his face. ONI's definitely going to want to get their hands on some of this stuff. To be fair, they need to have some of this stuff, otherwise we won't figure out what some of this tech is capable of.

His thoughts were interrupted when he heard the door chime. "Come in," he said. The door opened, allowing the person in question to come inside. Looking up, he found himself looking at Osman. "Osman. Is there something you need?"

"Yes," Osman said. "Director Parangosky has informed me that HIGHCOM held a meeting to discuss your recent success at Genarius."

"What did they say?"

"It was an overwhelming success," Osman said. "The destruction of the criminal syndicates at Despatar and the surrender of Genarius to the UNSC means that the galaxy is going to be a safer place. On top of that, we've acquired a wealth of technology to study from the city."

Lasky nodded. "That we have. However, I doubt that you're here to tell me nothing else."

Osman smiled slightly. "You're catching on, Lasky. That's a good sign, and you're right; I'm here for more than just that. Parangosky has informed me that Hood has allowed ONI access to some of the technology we recovered from Despatar. What that means, however, is that you get to determine which technologies ONI gets to study and which ones they don't. Some members of Section Three are also eager to study some of the… xenofauna that was recovered from the city."

Lasky frowned. I had a feeling that was the case. It's only fair, though. Hood knows I'm causing ONI trouble and he likes that. Might as well cause a little more. "Well, to be fair, some of those technologies will be kept from ONI and handed over to the UNSC Engineering Corps for study and reverse-engineering. However, as you've pointed out, some of that tech will be sent to ONI. However, I will have to disappoint Section Three when it comes to the xenofauna."

"How so?"

"I cannot, in good conscience, allow them to study some of the xenofauna," Lasky said. "The study of xenofauna falls squarely on the shoulders of the UNSC's scientific research divisions, no ONI's. Besides, isn't the development and research of biological and biochemical weapons illegal these days?"

Osman frowned. "A very fair point, one that, I admit, is probably the correct answer. We don't need designer organisms running around, or biological weapons for that matter. The microbiologists will want to study the various illnesses and diseases that they found in the city. We'll need countermeasures for them."

"And they are right to do so," Lasky said. "However, I want you to make sure that Section Three doesn't get any bright ideas when it comes to diseases like the Blue Shadow Virus. According to records that we retrieved from the city, there were numerous targeted outbreaks during the Clone Wars, most of which ended quite poorly for those involved. And don't get me started on the brain rotting diseases that were found in the city. I saw a video recording of what those do…" He shook his head. "I'll likely have nightmares for a few weeks."

Osman shivered. She had seen the footage for herself. It was enough to turn her stomach, a very rare occurrence for good reason. "You won't get any argument from me there, Lasky. I've seen things like the Flood before, and even though these diseases are nowhere near as dangerous as the Flood, I understand your caution completely. In fact, I applaud it."

At least we agree on a few things, Lasky thought. "Agreed. However, there are a few technologies that, I think, should be shared with ONI."

"And those would be?"

Lasky handed Osman a datapad. "On the datapad is the intelligence that Charlemagne, the AI installed onboard the Constantinople, shared with us following Cularin's surrender to the UNSC. According to his intelligence, and Cortana's information gathering, the Constantinople was targeted by a form of energy leeching technology used onboard one of the Keldabe-class Battlecruisers. When utilized properly, it allows any ship equipped with the tech to enhance its own systems, from engines to shields and weapons."

Osman frowned. "I can see why you'd want ONI to study this piece of technology. If the Empire or any other criminal syndicates got their hands onto the tech…"

"… they could use it to sap the shields on UNSC ships," Lasky finished. "That's one of the technologies that will be shared with ONI. The other is another technology that Halsey thinks is related to the Death Star." He opened another datapad. "Proton Beam Cannons. According to the schematics we found, they're designed to fire a high energy particle beam that can cause extreme damage to ship hulls."

"And this is related to the Death Star in what way?"

"I had Halsey conduct some scans of a Proton Beam Cannon that was designed to be fitted onto artillery," Lasky said. "According to her, the energy signature it produces very closely matches the energy signature created by the Death Star's main weapon. In other words, the Death Star uses a large scale proton beam cannon."

Osman felt a cold chill run down her spine. So this is the weapon that was used to destroy part of Scarif, she thought. "I see," she said. "Why do you want ONI to study this?"

Lasky sighed. "Because as much as I'd hate to admit it, ONI needs to. For one thing, this could enable the UNSC to have a major advantage in long range strike options against Imperial ships. For another, we need a countermeasure against this technology to prevent our ships from being completely shredded by it. Titanium-A armor plating is good, but even it can't withstand this for long."

"Agreed," Osman said. "I'll recommend to Parangosky that this technology be studied with strict UNSC oversight. It wouldn't do well for someone like Ferdinand to snag a tech like this and use it to create a weapon designed to destroy planets."

"Exactly," Lasky said. "Even though the Empire could do it doesn't mean we should. I suspect that we'll eventually develop ship based variants for use as supplementary weapons to our mini-MACs, and an alternative to the main MAC batteries used on our ships."

"Agreed. Any others?"

"Yep," Lasky said. "We confiscated the schematics for what appears to be a repulsorlift jammer of some kind. That'll be useful in the war, but we also have to keep it out of the Innie's hands. If they get their hands on this, and we start sending in repulsorlift vehicles…" He shook his head.

"I'll make sure this gets priority, along with the shield leeching tech," Osman said. "Now, there's another one I wanted to bring to your attention."

Before Lasky could ask, she produced a spherical object. It was large, around the size of a hand grenade, with a single button on the top, as well as a transparent section at it's widest area. "It's safe, Lasky," Osman said reassuringly. "I had Cortana disarm it."

Taking the object into his hands, Lasky examined it. "What is it?" he asked.

"According to Cortana, it's what's known as a 'Thermal Detonator.' What you're looking at, Lasky, is a Merr-Sonn Munitions Inc. Class-A Thermal Detonator. According to the specs, the outer shell is made out of thermite mixed with a material known as Axidite, while the inner core contains a material known as Baradium. When triggered, it forces the Baradium to undergo a fusion reaction. The end result is an fusion detonation that can vaporize anything within its blast radius, which can range between 5 meters to 100 meters, though past the blast radius, little to no damage is done."

The hairs on Lasky's neck stood on end. "Are you telling me that this is a nuclear hand grenade?"

"It would seem so, Lasky. That's not all, however. It turns out, the Galactic Empire's Stormtroopers utilize thermal detonators as their primary thrown explosive. I can have Cortana send you all of the relevant information on thermal detonators if you wish."

"Do it," Lasky said. "The sooner we research these things, the sooner we can develop ways to counter them. Still, the fact that they're using literal nuclear fusion hand grenades shows how strong their grasp of fusion technology is. Such grenades could come in handy. I'll send some of them over, but not all, to the Reverse Engineering and Prototyping–Xenotechnology department for study."

"Agreed. However, that's not all that worries me, Lasky." Osman produced a series of small objects with flag-like rectangles of plastic on them. "These are what are known as 'Anti-Security Keys.' According to Cortana's intel, they generate harmonic frequencies that interfere with electronics. We can confirm this to be the case, as one pirate tried to get past our security measures using such an anti-security key. We only stopped him because Roland detected the interference."

Lasky facepalmed himself. "Fan-fucking-tastic," he groaned. "First we have nuclear hand grenades, and now simple keys that can literally play hopscotch with our security systems. Send those to the XMEG too. We'll need a countermeasure for them. Anything else?"

"Yes," Osman said. "During our search of some of the pirate ships, we found a series of small beacon-like objects in the cargo holds of each ship. Cortana did some intelligence gathering, and it turns out that they're called Coypcat Pods."

"What do they do?" Lasky asked as he read a datapad with the pertinent information.

"Apparently, they work by sending out a copy of the parent ship's transponder signal. Our searching of the pirate's and criminal's databases indicate that these Copycat Pods are commonly used to lure police ships away from their ships, allowing them to escape. It's a rather ingenious means of distracting an enemy for one reason: there's no way to tell the false transponder signal from the real one."

Lasky rolled his neck. "Very interesting. ONI might find that to be useful. I'll have REAP-X take a crack at it. Maybe we can make our own Copycat Pods before long. Is there anything else you need from me?"

"Not at this moment," Osman said. "However, I can say that Section Three and the XMEG will be satisfied with the study of this sort of tech."

"Good," Lasky said. "There is one more thing to do, and I would like you to accompany me on this one."

"And that would be?"

"We need to check in on Jyn," Lasky said. "We picked her up yesterday, but she got fucked up pretty bad by those slavers. The doctors and psychiatrists said that we would be able to come by around 1300 hours local time. Given that we're a few minutes past that, I'd say we've got to go see how she's doing."

"I agree," Osman said. "For some strange reason, I like Jyn, but I would love to interrogate the man that treated her as little more than a piece of meat to fuck and tear apart. I'm sure he and I would find some things to talk about."

"Yeah. I remember when his ass got dragged onboard yesterday. It's not a sight I'll be forgetting anytime soon."

"Did Chief tell you about it?" Osman asked.

"Yep. I checked the recordings, so I know that his account is accurate." Lasky's mind drifted back to a day ago, even as they began moving towards the tram that would take them to the onboard hospital

. . .

One Day Earlier

"YOU INHUMAN BASTARDS!" Geotor roared, ignoring the pain from his cheekbones and nose as he struggled in his restraints. "YOU CANNOT CONTAIN ME! WHEN I BREAK FREE, YOU WILL KNOW TRUE TERROR AND AGONY!"

Chief simply tuned Geotor's angry words out. When they'd brought the man onboard the Pelican, he had been in a slight stupor due to his injuries. Now, he had fully awakened, much to everyone's displeasure. "Will you just shut up?!" he heard Cortana shout at Geotor through the helmet loudspeakers. "Fuck me! You're worse than a few Storm Covenant we dragged aboard when we kicked their asses!"

Geotor was about to unleash another tirade when Kelly racked her shotgun's slide. "You shut up, or I'll pump you full of buckshot myself," she growled. "Trust me. You do not want that to happent to you." Geotor sneered at her, but wisely stopped ranting and shouting.

Chief keyed his COM. "UNSC Infinity, this is Blue Actual. We have the prisoner aboard. Requesting medical team at our designated arrival point."

"Roger that," Flight Ops Lieutenant Melissa said. "A trauma team is already at Hangar 15-Charlie. You are cleared for landing."

"Understood. Pilot, we're cleared to land."

"And about fucking time too!" the pilot, Echo 4-0-9, said. "I was thinking that bastard would never shut up!"

"Blue Team, prep the prisoner for transport!" The members of Blue Team quickly closed in on Geotor. Cuffing his hands, Linda undid his restraints, while Kelly held the man's left arm in a vise-like grip. Geotor struggled once the restraints were off, but his struggle to break free was futile. For all his efforts, he might as well have tried to escape a black hole's event horizon.

There was a muted thump as the Pelican landed. "All right," Fred said. "Time to face the music, Geotor. We've got a few friends that are dying to speak with you." The man's words dripped with sarcasm. He had a decidedly different tone when he turned to Jyn. "You ready? We've got a trauma team waiting."

Jyn looked at him. Her eyes and cheeks were red from her near-constant crying since she was liberated. Now, all that was left was a stoic calm that she wore like a mask. "Y-Yes," she said.

"Good. Personally speaking, if it were up to me when it comes to Geotor, I'd have let you kill him as revenge." Jyn smiled at that.

The loading ramp lowered, allowing Blue Team to leave with Jyn and Geotor. The hangar was crowded with people going about their business. Almost immediately, a trauma team came over with a hover-gurney, each member fully clothed in a HAZMAT suit. "Get her to the ER immedaitely!" one man shouted. "She needs a few miligrams of oxycodon, stat!"

As the trauma team quickly got Jyn onto the gurney and out of the hangar, Chief looked at the rest of the crowd. Among them was Gibbs, as well as Alexander Holt and Tennant. "Well, well, well..." Holt said. "What have we here? A fucked up little 'ol pirate who thinks that he's hot shit by taking one of our own." He chuckled menacingly. "What about you, Gibbs? What do you think?"

Gibbs shrugged. "I wouldn't know. I see people like him all the time. DiNozzo, would you assist the military police in escorting him to the ER for his injuries?"

"Gladly," DiNozzo said. "You're coming with us, pendejo. You've got a lot of questions to answer."

"I'm not saying anything!" Geotor snarled.

"But you will," DiNozzo said.

As he dragged Geotor over to another ER team, Gibbs looked at Geotor coldly. "Enjoy hell," he said as they moved the man away.

. . .

Present Day

Down in the onboard hospital, Jyn hissed as shooting pains ran up her back. The nurse, an elderly woman with bright green eyes, said, "I'm sorry. I'm doing what I can not to hurt you. Would you like me to stop?"

"No," Jyn said. "Keep going, please. It hurts, but after everything I've been through, the pain of having my wounds cleaned is nothing." She winced as the nurse continued to clean the wounds on her back.

Other shooting pains reminded her of the dozens of other doctors that were doing what they could to tend to her injuries. Those damn pirates fucked me up bad, she thought. And Geotor… A flash of hate and rage coursed through her body. Clenching her hands, she only stopped when she heard part of the bed beginning to creak loudly.

"Are you all right?" another voice asked. Glancing in the direction of said voice, Jyn spotted a man with dark brown hair, matching beard and brown eyes. A nametag on his labcoat read "H. Gerald, M.D, D.O."

Jyn sighed. "No, I'm not, but thanks for asking."

Gerald wrote something down in a datapad. "Anytime," he said. "If it helps, my wife went through the same exact thing you did."

"Was she kidnapped by pirates and slavers?"

"Innies," Gerald said. "Some Innies working for that bastard took her to one of their bases. He didn't personally condone that sort of thing, doesn't mean that it didn't happen. When they found her…" He trailed off, unable to find the words.

Jyn's frown softened. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be. It happened a long time ago, and I've had a lot of time to come to terms with what happened."

"We're done," one of the nurses said. Lifting Jyn off her chest, the doctors and nurses gently eased her down onto what appeared to be a faintly glowing field. "Antigravity field," the doctor explained. "The Sangheili allowed us to borrow one of theirs. They use it for patients that have extensive back wounds, or for those that can't lie with their back on a bed."

Jyn groaned as the field pressed onto her back. A momentary twinge of pain came from her wounds, then they stopped hurting as the field adjusted to the contours of her back. "If you need anything, let us know, and we'll come." Jyn nodded, with the doctors leaving. Now, the unusual fatigue that had been plaguing her for days returned in full force. Before Jyn knew it, she was drifting between the boundary of wakefulness and sleep.

Outside of the ward Jyn was in, Halsey looked inside. Having now seen the cruel welts and gashes on her back, she could feel tears slowly falling down her face. She blinked, then dried her cheeks. What kind of monster would do this to a woman that did the right thing? a part of her wondered. Why did it have to be her? Why did she have to be taken?

She blinked again, fighting back a fresh onslaught of tears. Few things could make her weep. The ethics of the Spartan-II Program had filled her with a deep sense of regret and loss, but it hadn't brought her to weep. Now, however, she couldn't help but cry upon seeing the pain Geotor had unleashed upon Jyn.

A similar sniffling sound was heard next to her. Peering inside, Olivia couldn't help but gaze at Jyn with a mixture of respect and sadness. "Why her?" she asked. "Why did it have to be her, and not me? I'm more valuable than she is? Why did she have to be taken? Why was I spared?"

"Because Geotor didn't know you," Halsey said. "Had he known, he'd have taken you and Jyn. Still, for one man to go to this length just for the sake of revenge…" She shook her head.

"At least the rotten bastard will be rotting away in Supermax when he's recovered!" Olivia snarled, hate flashing in her eyes. "He had no right to do this to her! None! This wasn't just revenge, this was about domination, about marking her as his property! In other words, what he did was evil, plain and simple."

"Indeed," Halsey agreed. "Compared to him, I'm, quite literally, a saint. However, there is no need to worry about him. Something tells me that Osman has something in store for him, something terrifying."

"You've guessed my intentions quite well," came Osman's voice. Turning around, both Halsey and Olivia watched as Osman and Lasky approached.

"Osman, Lasky."

"How's Jyn holding up?" Lasky asked. He wore a worried expression on his face.

"Physically, she's doing fine," Halsey said. "Aside from some superficial injuries in the form of gashes and welts, the doctors say that she'll be fine. As for her mental state…" She shook her head. "I'm not qualified to make any judgments, but if I had to guess, she's traumatized."

"I thought as much," Lasky said. Frowning, he banged a clenched fist into the window looking into her room. "Damnit! This was my fault! I should've posted extra guards around her!"

"There was nothing you could've done, Lasky," Halsey said. "If anything, I'm the one that's to blame. I intended to tell you about what I found out from her, but due to work, it slipped my mind. I have a genius intellect, but even my memory fails me from time to time."

Lasky frowned. "I know, but it doesn't make me feel any better. If anything, none of us were at fault for what happened. I've examined what happened in my head over and over again and again. There was nothing we could've done, but that's the worst part: that we couldn't do a thing."

He took a deep breath, stood up fully. "If anything, Geotor is the one that's at fault. That… animal, that… fiend took her, just to inflict pain and misery onto her! What kind of person does that?"

"Those that delight in the suffering and pain of others," came another voice. Looking behind, Lasky watched as Merrin came to the window. "Geotor's actions remind me of those of a man I once met on Dathomir, before Cal came. He wanted to learn my magicks, and give me a chance to have revenge. Instead, he was little more than a parasite that wanted to crush all in his path, willing to inflict pain and misery just for the sake of it."

She looked at Halsey and the others. "What you can take heart in is that Jyn didn't break. Even though she is in great anguish, I can sense that she continues to hold onto the oath she swore to uphold. The fact that you came back for her, Lasky, is something she will not forget. Where other people abandoned her, you refused to stop looking for her. That kind of drive inspires loyalty in even the weakest of men. You did the one thing she needed: you came for her, and rescued her in her darkest hour." With that, she faded out of sight in a flash of green light and vapors.

Osman frowned. "I won't get used to the fact that she can bypass all of our security measures with her ritual. Still… she's right. We came and rescued Jyn. She won't forget that."

"No, she won't," Lasky agreed. "Dr. Halsey, can we go in and speak with her?"

"I'm not the person to make a judgment on that," Halsey said. "Dr. Larry?"

Larry, a short man with green eyes and black hair, walked into view. "Yes?" he asked.

"The good Admirals are wishing to speak to Jyn."

"Ah, I see," Larry said. "You can, but before you do, Dr. Gerald and I would like to have a word with the two of you."

"Of course," Lasky said. "What is it?"

"Physically speaking, Jyn is well on the road to recovery," Larry said. "The crime lord you captured wanted her to be kept in good condition, likely so that he could inflict more pain onto her." He spat on the ground. "He's a cruel monster, but even he knows you can't torture a dead person. However, there's one… er… concerning problem."

"Tell me," Lasky said. "I've been through worse."

Larry took a breath, then he said, "Jyn's pregnant."

The silence that followed that proclamation was deafening. Both Lasky and Osman looked at Larry as though he'd grown a second head, while fresh tears began to mist in Halsey's eyes. Olivia, however, looked enraged. "Wait!" she said. "You don't mean…?!"

When he spoke, Larry's voice was filled with a regretful certainty. "Yes," he said. "Geotor raped her. It's why we think she's in good condition: he wanted to make her realize she was his property by having her bear his child."

At that, Osman's face went white. It was not the paleness of terror or horror, though; instead, it was the whiteness that came with pure, unadulterated rage. While her expression didn't change, her hands clenched into trembling fists.

Lasky, on the other hand, had no problems voicing his anger. "That motherfucking BASTARD!" he growled, his voice low and menacing. "Was it not enough for him to torture her with whips, electrostaffs and bludgeons?! How dare he pervert one of the most sacred and intimate acts a human being can do for his own twisted ends!"

Larry raised his hands. "Please, Rear Admiral! I hate what Geotor did to her as much as you do, but there's nothing we can do now. All we can do is ensure her continued recovery."

"It's not just her body that will need healing as well," Gerald said. "When she's sufficiently recovered, I will perform a full psychiatric session to determine what we need to do for her. It also helps that I'm also a psychologist. Still, I can tell you right now that her mental state is fragile. She nearly went insane from all the torture she went through, as well as Geotor's perverted act."

"Is there anything we can do for her?" Halsey asked.

"There's one thing you can do," Gerald said. "She needs help, but more importantly, she needs people to talk to. Sharing a traumatic experience, even if it's painful, often helps a patient come to terms with what happened. Sometimes the only thing necessary is to just sit at the patient's side in silence and be there for them."

"How did she manage to keep her sanity while in that festering cage?" Olivia asked.

"I believe that she knew that Lasky was coming," Gerald said. "In fact, she said that Cal visited her and told her help was coming. I think that day might've been her lowest point, when she was ready to give in. Cal, I think, gave her the mental strength to carry on for just a little while longer. In other words, you people rescued her in the nick of time."

"I see," Lasky said, having composed himself. "Thank you for talking with us, doctor. May we speak to her?"

"Sure," Gerald said, "but be careful. She's really fragile right now."

"Thank you," Lasky said. "We'll be careful." Walking to the door to the medical ward, Lasky gently opened it and walked inside. "Jyn?" he asked. "Can you hear me? Jyn?"

Jyn's eyes immediately snapped to him, her body tensing and the fatigue fading away. Seeing him, she relaxed. "Lasky," she said softly.

Sitting down by her, Lasky gently took her hand into his own. The odor of fragrant shampoos and body soaps washed over him. "I'm here," he said. "I came as soon as I could, Jyn."

"I know," Jyn said. "Cal said you were." Her eyebrows furrowed. "What happened, though? Why did you take so long?"

"The pirates left little for us to follow," Osman said. Bowing her head, she said, "It shames me to admit it, but even they managed to elude me. We only found you thanks to Cal Kestus."

"Cal found me?"

"More like saw you," Lasky said. "He had a Force Vision where he saw you being… tortured, and the planet you were at. According to him, his long dead friend and fellow Jedi, Cere, showed him where he could find us. Once he found us, he told us where to look. After that, he led us to you, and we gathered intelligence so that we could rescue you."

Jyn's lips quivered, but only for the slightest moment. "I see," she said. She frowned. "Lasky, be honest with me. What did the doctors tell you?"

Lasky sighed. Now that he was in the same room as Jyn, he had a dilemma. On the one hand, I could just lie to protect her, but that generally never works. On the other, I could tell her, but the strain could destroy her. "I don't know how to tell you this," he groaned, "but I have to tell you. I wouldn't live with myself otherwise. Just be ready. It's some crazy shit."

"I can handle that," Jyn said. "Tell me."

"OK. You're pregnant, Jyn. We think that Geotor when he… when he raped you… wanted to force ownership onto you by having you carry his child. Now the doctors say the fetus' healthy, but they did make that fact loud and clear."

Rather than break down, as Lasky expected, Jyn became silent. For a moment, he thought he saw a flash of rage in her eyes, then a cold sort of logic replaced that rage. "I see," she said. "I suppose it was inevitable. Could you give me some time alone? I need to… process what's happened to me. I'll let you know what my decision is when I've reached one."

Lasky rubbed her hand gently. "I know," he said. "What he did to you… was monstrous. No woman should have to go through what you went through. My deepest regret is that we couldn't come sooner." Looking at the clock, he asked, "Do you want us to come by later?" Jyn nodded. "All right. We'll come when you need us."

The moment they left, Jyn buried her face in her hands. Motherfucker! she snarled internally. First, he tortures me for what he's done, now Geotor's forced me to bear children! A huff escaped her mouth. For a moment, she thought about talking to the doctors on ending the pregnancy. A part of her desperately wanted to deny the fact that she was pregnant, that if she aborted the pregnancy, everything would go back to the way it was.

Do you think you could do that? a voice said in her mind. Is killing an unborn child that has done you no wrong, that depends on you for life, really worth the anguish and guilt that will follow? What if Galen Erso saw you debating that right now?

Upon thinking those thoughts, she frowned. Perhaps I should ask Lasky and the others for advice, she thought. Maybe they know what to do… I just… I just don't know what to do anymore. She adjusted her position on the anti-gravity field as she mulled over her options…

As they walked out of the recovery ward, Lasky shook his head. "It's a miracle that she came out of that as well as she did. I don't think any of us could've withstood that kind of torture for long."

"I agree," Osman said. "That means that Geotor and I will be having a very… nice chat before long."

"I would like to have a chance to talk to him too," Halsey said. "I'm sure I could have him screaming at the tops of his lungs before long."

"Either way, Geotor needs to pay!" Olivia said firmly. "I want to see that bastard beg for mercy! None of what he did was justified."

"Agreed," Lasky said. "However, we have to remember that we are better than he is. If we descend to his level, then there's no going back. Osman, I want you to interrogate Geotor. Find out what he knows of the criminal underworld. I've got a feeling that it's more than just Despatar that was infested with crime. At any rate, I wouldn't be surprised if the entire galaxy was infested with crime syndicates."

"I'll see to it," Osman said. "He's going to learn why he is in serious trouble. In fact, he's in worse trouble than that. He's going to be wishing for divine intervention when I'm done with him."

"Somehow, I don't think any divinity is going to help him, if they existed that is," Lasky at the time, he said, "We're about ten minutes away from Admiral Sark arriving with her team. Speak with you later, Osman?"

"Of course," Osman said. As Lasky walked away, a cold, predatory smile formed on Osman's face. Geotor, you will soon learn what the true meaning of fear is, she thought. You tortured someone that I like, someone that had potential, only for you to ruin it in your evil quest for revenge. As such, when I am done with you, death will be a sweet mercy that you will crave for like water…

Back in his quarters, Lasky entered the COM room to find someone already calling him. Keying the HoloCOM call, he watched as Admiral Sark appeared before him. "Admiral Sark," he said. "I take it your journey went well?"

"That it did," Sark said. "I had a feeling that you'd do something crazy at some point, Lasky. I just didn't think you'd do something this crazy. Why is it that all the interesting stuff happens to you?"

Lasky shrugged. "I have no idea, Admiral, to be honest. It's almost like I'm a strangeness magnet. Wherever I go, strange things happen to me. I just roll with the punches as best I can."

"And you've done so quite well," Sark said. "That being said, when I heard that you had a Star Destroyer for me to study, it was all I could do to keep from going squee. In fact, when I woke up and learned that you had many more ships for me to study, I did go squee. It's almost as though you've given me a welcoming present."

"I do have my moments," Lasky said, a smile on his face. "I also think Jordan's going to love working with you. From what I recall, he's something of a fan of yours."

"Who do you think sponsored his training as an engineer? Still, I have to admit, he does have potential. It's not often that someone converts a titanium spike driver into a weapon capable of splitting a Sangheili Major in half with a single shot on their first try. That man has talent."

"That he does," Lasky said. "I have to admit, he's had his moments where he's fallen flat, but for the most part, he's done quite well."

"That he has. Would you kindly inform him that I and my team are about to be arriving and heading to the ship he's currently at. I want to see for myself what the interior of a Keldabe-class Battlecruiser looks like."

"Certainly," Lasky said. "I think he'll appreciate the company. He might even be having a nerd-gasm right now. I'll speak more with you later."

"Good, Admiral Sark over and out."

Closing the COM call, Lasky noticed he had another one from Parangosky. Rather than call, he simply switched the panel off. Don't know why she wishes to call me, but right now, I have more pressing matters to deal with.

. . .

In orbit above Pantora, on one such Keldabe-class Battlecruiser, Jordan was, indeed, having a nerd-gasm. Walking down the hallway of the ship, he couldn't help but admire the interior design of the ship. Say what you will about them, but I have to admit, the Mandalorians build their ships well, he thought. In fact, this is probably the first ship design from this galaxy that's actually practical.

Moving through one of the doors, he found himself inside of the hyperdrive room. Unlike the hyperdrives of starfighters, which were small and compact, the hyperdrive for the Keldabe was nothing short of massive. It took up nearly the entire room, with a walkway allowing him to gain easy access to it.

It is a tad disappointing that it's only a Class 1 Hyperdrive, he thought. Oh well… Bigger isn't always better, it seems. At least I'll have the opportunity to tear it down and study it. I wonder how the Mandalorian architects built this thing.

Proceeding out of the Hyperdrive room, he quickly made his way to the Engineering Deck. Just before he entered, he heard his COM chime. Keying it, he said, "Go ahead."

"Chief Engineer Jordan, this is RADM Lasky. You there?"

"Yep," Jordan said. "Just doing some art appreciation of the Keldabe that I'm on. I must admit, the Mandalorians knew how to build their shit well. There are a few negative aspects but so far, they're nothing but nitpicks. Their Mass Driver, though, definitely needs a lot of work, but it's got a few interesting design differences."

"I see. Just so you know, Admiral Sark is coming onboard the ship soon. Make sure you're there to meet her when you can. Also, did you find the energy leeching module?"

"Yeah," Jordan said. "Took me some time, but I found it. I have to admit, for such a menacing piece of technology, it's quite simple in principle. I'll also be at the gate for when Sark arrives."

"Good. The sooner we can get to work studying this 'shield leeching' technology, the sooner we can adapt it to our ships, and the sooner we can develop a countermeasure to it."

"Same here," Jordan said. "I've got a few ideas bouncing around in my head, but ship architecture's not my specialization. FTL flight is. I'd best be going now. Sark will have my head if I'm late." Closing the COM, he quickly began to sprint down the hallway…

He arrived at the hangar bay for the ship just seconds before the Pelican touched down. Taking a moment to catch his breath, he stood up straight as the ramp lowered, with Sark and her team coming down the ladder with her team. "Admiral Sark," he said. "Good to see you."

Sark smiled. "I see that you're still not big on formalities, Jordan."

"The war beat any sense of formality out of me a long time ago, Sark. Having to survive using jury rigged and repurposed weaponry does that to you." The two shared a chuckle at that. "Either way, it's good to see you again, Sark. What are you up to?"

"Just the usual," Sark said. "Studying the ships from this new galaxy while devising ways to make the enemy's mind explode from confusion." Glancing around the interior, she said, "So, this is the Keldabe-class Battlecruiser. I must admit, it's the first practical ship design I've seen in this galaxy."

"My thoughts exactly," Jordan said. "Would you care for a tour?"

"Of course. Lead the way."

"All right. Follow me." As they advanced deeper into the ship, he said, "I also found the shield leeching technology that gave the Constantinople a whole shit ton of trouble. I have to admit, for something so menacing and dangerous, it's rather simple."

"How so?" Sark said.

"For one thing, it relies on using wireless power transfer technology to work. The main difference is that, instead of sending power, it instead draws power from the ship. I've asked Lasky to send a message to the Rebel Alliance for a copy of the schematics. Once we get it, we should be able to work out how it leeches power from an enemy ship and make improvements to the design using our AI aided CAD programs."

Sark nodded. "Sounds useful," she said.

"Indeed," Dr. Wolfe said. "I heard that the ship is armed with a Mass Driver. Is that really true?"

"It is," Jordan said. "However, compared to the MACs onboard UNSC ships, the Mass Driver aboard this ship is, for lack of a better term, primitive. It's velocity doesn't even come close to matching the velocity that a UNSC MAC is capable of achieving."

"Do you have any theories on how that could be?"

"Yep," Jordan said. "While my specialty is in FTL Flight Engineering, my basic training as an engineer led me to conduct research on the matter. From what I can tell, the abundance of Tibanna Gas and high energy power sources led the Andromeda Galaxy's denizens to focus on designing energy weapons, rather than kinetic weapons. Our galaxy's lack of Tibanna Gas, and the lack of high energy power sources, meant that we were forced along a different technological path. The end result is that while their energy weapons are more advanced than what the UNSC's got, their kinetic weapons are laughably weak."

"I'd have to see it for myself," Dr. Wolfe said. "However, I'm certain that your assessment is quite right."

"Yep. Anywho… we're here." The doorway before them opened, permitting them inside one of the larger rooms onboard the ship.

Sark found herself looking at a contraption that she hadn't seen before. It resembled a giant industrial machine, with immense cables running from it to power conduits in the floor and walls. While she couldn't see anything resembling a transceiver, she guessed that such a device was mounted on the hull of the ship itself.

"Is this it?" Grayson asked. "I thought we'd be looking at something the size of a nuclear fusion reactor!"

"That's what I thought as well," Jordan said. "However, it would appear that the Mandalorians decided that smaller was better, which is the same way we went. Everyone else thought bigger was better."

"The Empire does have a fascination for big things," Fornell agreed. "How efficient is this thing?"

"We ran a test after we figured out how to turn it on," Jordan said. "I can tell you that it's not particularly efficient. See some of those cables? Those are actually coolant hoses connected to the device. When we switched it on, we found that 60% of the energy siphoned from any target is converted to waste heat. Only 40% of the energy is actually used in boosting the systems onboard the ship itself."

"That is inefficient," Sark said. "I'll bet we could make one that would lose only 10% of that energy in terms of heat. It would be a major game changer, especially for larger ships, as their shields take longer to recharge."

"Definitely," Jordan said. "For the most part, though, the ship seems to have been pretty well thought out. I've gotta hand the Mandalorians credit where it's due."

"Indeed," Sark said. "Would you kindly show me more of the ship?"

"Certainly," Jordan said.

As they moved along, Sark shook her head. Been an engineer for ten years, and he still gets giddy when he sees a new ship design. It's like watching a kid in a candy shop. People like Jordan make the UNSC great.

. . .

Onboard the Infinity, Cal rested on his knees as he reached into the Force. Breathing in and out slowly, he could feel the current of the Force flowing over him, like he was a rock embedded into a stream. The Force is with me, and I with the Force, he thought.

As he meditated, he could feel the current of the Force as it flowed through the ship. Were he to look through the current of the Force, he would see the ship's occupants as small points of light in a midnight blue void. At the moment, though, those pinpricks of light were being drowned out by a much brighter glow.

Ever since I fought alongside N'tho, something about him's bothered me, he thought. A Sangheili should not be able to move that fast. I know because I dueled Usze when he asked to spar with me. He was fast, but not as fast as N'tho was. It only served to increase his suspicions as to what N'tho was. The real kicker is that he mentioned being able to do this even as a child. That can mean only one thing, but I need to know for certain.

It was at that moment that he could sense the glow's center moving towards him. As it did, a voice seemed to whisper to him from the Force. "Trust your instincts," it said. "You are closer to the truth than you think."

Mystified, Cal was about to reach into the Force for answers when he heard a knock at the door. Standing up, he moved his hand slightly. There was a beep, then the door slid open. Beyond, he spotted N'tho looking inside. "Cal Kestus," he said. "Greetings. How did you know I was coming?"

"I sensed you in the Force," Cal said. Feeling the Force again, he noticed that the glow was at its brightest where N'tho was. The Force is trying to tell me something, he noted. Apparently, I'm just not listening very well.

"I see," N'tho said, unaware of Cal's internal thoughts. "I wanted to commend you on your skill when it came to fighting that filthy criminal scum at Despatar. Such vermin should be exterminated from the face of the galaxy, never to harm the innocent again."

Cal felt N'tho's anger roiling in the Force. Unlike most forms of anger, which drew on the Dark Side, N'tho's seemed to spring from a desire to mete out justice. "I know what you mean," he said at length. "The Force flows darkly in a place like Despatar."

"What was it like?"

"Imagine trying to wade though a tar bog," Cal said. "On top of that, imagine having to fend off dangerous beasts while doing so. That's what being in a place strong in the Dark Side is like."

"An apt description, given what I saw in that wretched place. Still, it is good that we brought the vermin to justice. However, I did not come here to vent my rightful anger. I came here because I still wish to spar with you."

"I thought as much," Cal said. "I could sense your intentions plainly in the Force. Very well. I've always wondered what it'll be like to spar with a Sangheili Zealot. My spar with Usze gave me a taste, but I want to fight a proficient swordsman, no offense intended."

N'tho smiled. "None taken, Cal. I've never sparred with a Jedi before, so I am eager to test myself against your abilities with a lightsaber. Shall we move to the Simulation Deck?"

"Sure," Cal said. "I haven't sparred there yet, so I might as well."

"Excellent," Ntho said…

It didn't take them long before they reached the Simulation Deck. While N'tho was busy strapping on his Combat Harness, Cal sifted through the clothes he'd brought with him from the Mantis. Even though they'd been worn frequently, most of the clothes he had found in his travels had remained in excellent condition. Before long, he had dressed himself in the traditional robes that members of the Jedi Order wore.

He checked his range of motion. Satisfied when he felt that he wasn't hindered, he used the Force to pull his lightsaber towards him, snapping it on briefly. The hum of the lightsaber, while unnerving to most, was quite soothing for him. This weapon, including my blaster, has saved my life more times than I can count.

Turning around, he found N'tho standing near the entrance to the simulation room, fully clad in his magenta colored Combat Harness. Checking his energy sword, he snapped it on, the twin pronged blade flashing into existence. Satisfied, he switched it off, then looked at Cal. "Are you ready?" he asked.

"Always," Cal said. "Are the others coming?"

"That we are," a voice said. Behind them, Usze and the other Sangheili walked into the room, fully armored and ready. "We heard that you were going to be sparring with N'tho," Usze said. "I look forward to seeing such a fight, especially after what I saw down at Despatar."

"Same here," Cal said. "Well, we'd best not keep ourselves waiting. Let's go." Nodding, N'tho pushed the door to the simulation room open and proceeded inside.

Following him inside, Cal found that he was not standing in a massive room with gray walls, floor and ceiling. Instead, he found himself standing in what he realized was a canyon of sorts. Reddish-tan rock was on either side, and he could see green grass growing on the ground. In the center of the room was a wide, circular stone circle, which he guessed would be the area they were sparring inside.

He smiled. It looks like getting that neural interface was quite smart, he thought. Lasky even said that they don't hand it out to just anyone. I guess I must be special. Advancing to one side of the stone circle, Cal faced N'tho, while the others sat on rocks around the stone circle.

"Usze?" N'tho asked. "Will you be our sparmaster?"

"Yes," Usze said. "Remember, this is a spar, not a fight to the death. The first one that lands a blow will be the winner. If you step outside of the stone circle, your opponent will automatically win. Should one opponent draw blood, the spar will be automatically forfeit. Understood?"

"Yes, sparmaster," Cal said. N'tho looked at him with a surprised expression, which instantly faded away as he crouched down.

"Then may the spar begin!" Usze announced.

Keeping his eyes squarely focused on N'tho, Cal began to slowly move to the right. Copying Cal's actions, N'tho did the same. The two slowly strafed each other, each looking for a weakness in the other's defenses.

He'll likely try to use his size to force me out of the ring, Cal thought. On top of that, Sangheili are very fast, so my best defense will be to remain on the move, and to use my Force capabilities to maneuver when normal actions won't do. He's also got a greater reach than I, so I'll have to keep him at range until I can get in fast enough to land a blow and retreat.

At the same time, N'tho was watching Cal closely. He's small and agile, which means that I have to corner him in order to win, he thought. In addition to that, his Force capabilities mean that he will be able to conduct attacks that I will struggle against. I must focus on everything he does, and therefore, nothing he does at the same time.

Then, like some invisible strings holding the two apart were cut, the spar commenced. N'tho, spotting a slight limp on Cal's left side, darted forwards, swinging his low-powered energy sword for a swift strike to Cal's right side. Just as he did, Cal moved, his arm a blur. Within milliseconds, he had blocked N'tho's strike with a deft application of his lightsaber's training power blade.

Ah, he tricked me, N'tho thought. Clever. Backing off, he began delivering a series of jabs, sweeps and swipes at Cal, intending to knock his defense aside. Countering quickly, Cal blocked each blow with the speed and grace of a cheetah. All the while, his face remained serene, though he grunted and barred his teeth at times.

N'tho's a lot faster than I thought he was, Cal thought as he barely dodged an overhead swing from N'tho's energy sword. The speed that he's engaging at is fast… very fast… Shaking the thought away, he was just in time to block a jab from N'tho.

The two continued to duel each other for some time, with Cal blocking N'tho's blows, while N'tho blocked each of his probing attempts. I'm working up a sweat, Cal thought, his heart pounding in his chest, while N'tho seemed none the worse for wear. If I don't act soon, N'tho's going to defeat me in this spar.

Then he spotted it, or at least he thought he did. Using his Force abilities, Cal dashed in, swiping at N'tho's midsection with his lightsaber. N'tho blocked the blow. To his surprise, instead of dodging away, Cal immediately went on the attack. Blow after blow rained down on N'tho's energy sword, with the Sangheili Zealot keeping up, but by the barest of margins. All the while, Cal could sense that the glow was glowing brighter and brighter with every attack.

Then, before his very own senses in the Force, that glow erupted… into a supernova of light.

N'tho, fighting to regain the edge, instinctively extended his hand outwards before he could stop himself. One moment, Cal was about to break open N'tho's defenses, the next, he found himself tumbling ass over teakettle through the air, even though N'tho hadn't actually touched him. Like a bullet fired from a gun, Cal was launched through the air and out of the stone ring. Usze barely had time to begin moving before Cal slammed into him like a boulder tumbling down the mountainside. Both individuals went down in a tangled mess of limbs, each one shouting in surprise as the crashed to the ground.

N'tho, however, paid them little heed, as he held his head as though it was about to explode. The energy sword in his hands fell to the ground, the deadman's switch turning it off. A howl erupted from his mouth as his senses were promptly bombarded with a painfully overwhelming amount of information. I… must gain… control! he howled mentally. H-help me… Someone… help… me!

Then, as the pain grew in intensity, a voice whispered in his mind. "Don't fight it," a motherly voice said in his mind. "You are feeling pain because you are fighting the Force. Open yourself, N'tho 'Sraom. Open yourself to the Force!" Acting on instinct, N'tho obeyed.

Suddenly, the pain he was experiencing promptly vanished, replaced by a cool, soothing sensation. Soon, the flood of information came back, only this time, he found that he could comprehend and understand all of it. He could feel Cal and Usze's confusion as they pulled themselves to their feet. He could feel the others watching in shock as his screaming stopped. Most importantly, though, he could feel… everything around him.

Nearby, Cal finally got himself back onto his feet. "Are you all right?" he asked Usze.

"I'm fine," Usze said. "It will take more than a human colliding with me to knock me down for good." Noting Cal's inscrutable expression, he asked, "Cal, what is it? What is going on? What happened?"

Cal paid little heed to him. Instead, his senses were strongly focused on the corona of light that surrounded N'tho in the Force. Then the realization hit him like a tsunami. Of course! he realized. No wonder there was a glow around N'tho! No wonder he could throw me with such force: he's a Force Sensitive! He can use the Force!

Seeing N'tho holding dead still, Cal came over to him. "N'tho? Can you hear me?" he asked. "N'tho?"

N'tho's gaze snapped to him. For a moment, his body tensed up as he gazed at Cal, then he relaxed. "I'm fine," he said. "I'm… more than fine, actually. I… I can feel it. I can feel… everything. I can feel Usze's emotions. I can sense Lasky's presence, even though I cannot see him. I…" He gazed at Cal. "What is happening to me, Cal? How is this possible?"

Cal smiled. "I think I know what's happening, N'tho, but I need you to listen to me carefully."

"What's happening to him?" Usze asked.

"I know what's going on." Looking at N'tho, Cal said, "N'tho, remember how I said that I felt a kind of glow around you?"

"Yes," N'tho said, recovering from his shock. "Why?"

"Well, as it turns out, I know why that glow seemed centered around you. You, N'tho, are a Force Sensitive. You're just like me. You can use the Force."

Usze looked at Cal. "Are you sure he can use this… Force you speak of?"

"Yes. N'tho?"

"Y-yes," N'tho said. "I think I can. I didn't touch you, but I threw you away all the same."

"All right, Dropping his lightsaber onto the ground, Cal said. "Grab that lightsaber without actually moving to grab it."

"I will try," N'tho said.

"No! As Master Yoda once told me, 'Do, or do not. There is no try.' If you try, your disbelief will prevent you from grabbing it. Believe, and you will succeed."

N'tho nodded. I reached for this 'Force' instinctively. If I did it once, I can do it again. Looking at the lightsaber, he extended his hand. To his surprise, he could feel something flowing through him, like it was an ocean. He imagined the lightsaber flying into his hand; more than that, in fact. Pushing aside his rational mind, which stated that what Cal asked him to do was impossible, he willed the lightsaber to come to him.

To his amazement, the lightsaber seemed to leap off of the ground and into his hand. Before he knew it, he had activated the lightsaber, his eyes gazing into the bright blue beam of plasma. Switching it off, he looked at Cal. "I did it," he said. "I… I used the Force. It felt so… strange."

"It's all right to feel a little strange at first," Cal said. "Still, you've take your first steps into a much larger world. However, that does present a slight complication."

"How so?" Usze asked.

"I have to speak with Lasky and 'Juran on this matter. They have to know about this development."

Usze opened his mouth to protest, thought better of it. "Agreed," he said. "The Shipmaster and Fleetmistress must know about this."

"Then let's go," Cal said. "Best to not keep them waiting. N'tho, come with me. They'll need to see this too." Without any further ado, everyone in the simulation room left as the scenery vanished, replaced by the steel-gray room…

Inside of one of the Infinity's meeting rooms, Lasky was busy speaking with 'Juran. "A lot of the technology from Genarius is really concerning," he said. "One of the most concerning aspects is that they have a technology that can leech power from the shields our ships use."

'Juran's gaze snapped onto him. "There's a tech that can drain our shields?"

"Yep," Lasky said. "I just got off the horn with Garm Bel Iblis on the matter. As Cortana suspected, the shield leech technology was developed initially by the Rebel Alliance as a countermeasure to the stronger shields and armor used on Imperial starships like the Star Destroyer, while boosting the effectiveness of their own shields and weapons. During their reformation into the New Republic, however, some of the criminal elements in the Rebel Alliance stole a copy of the schematics and sold them on the black market, hence why some of our ships had trouble with the Keldabe-class Battlecruisers."

Juran shook her head. "This new galaxy seems to be pulling every kind of surprise that it can on us. First this new galaxy, then this mysterious energy field known as the 'Force,' and now technology that can sap shields. What else is there?"

"The fact that they've got actual nuclear hand grenades, and devices that can literally play havoc with our security systems."

'Juran looked at Lasky. "I am not in the mood for playing games, Lasky."

"I'm being serious. Don't believe me? Let me show you." Reaching into a small bag he'd brought with him, he brought out the three objects Osman had shown him earlier. Handing her the spherical one, he said, "Guess as to what that is."

'Juran examined it closely, noting the split hemisphere design and the switch on the top. "A hand grenade of sorts," she said at length. "I take it this is one of the 'nuclear' hand grenades you mentioned?"

"Yep," Lasky said. "Cortana, can you fill Juran in on the details?"

"Gladly," Cortana said. "According to the intelligence I've gathered, what you have in your hands, 'Juran, is a Class-A Thermal Detonator. When detonated, it generates a fusion reaction that creates an expanding particle field. This field has enough energy to literally disintegrate anything within its blast radius, which can vary from five meters for the standard models, to a hundred meters for some custom made variants out there. They also have a deadman's switch so that, if they're dropped, they'll go off."

'Juran's eyes now regarded the spherical device with a wary interest. "Really?" she said. "Quite impressive. It's almost as though this could kill a Demon."

"I know what you mean," Lasky said. "I've sent some samples off to the REAP-X department at ONI to not only work out how to make our own, but also to develop a countermeasure in the event one does go off. However, given the blast radius, I'd say the smartest decision is to do what's normally done for frag grenades: clear the area ASAP."

"Agreed. And these smaller devices?"

"Anti-Security Keys," Lasky said. "If one of these is switched on, it generates a harmonic field that literally fucks over any electronic security systems within the area. One pirate tried to sneak away from us using these keys. We only caught him because Roland spotted the interference."

Again, 'Juran shook her head. "This is a strange new galaxy we are in." Handing the objects back, she said, "I thank you, Lasky, for informing me of these developments. I will see to it that the Arbiter and the Artisan-Engineers are made aware of these things, so that they may provide us with the means to foil these methods."

"Good," Lasky said. "I -"

He was promptly interrupted when Cortana said, "Sir, Cal Kestus wants to speak to you."

Lasky frowned. That's a bit sudden. "Can it wait for a minute? We're in the middle of a meeting."

"He says it's urgent."

Lasky sighed. It's almost as though everything nowadays is 'urgent' business. "Send him in," he said. The door opened, permitting Cal and another person inside. "Cal, N'tho?" he asked. "Why do you need to speak to us? We're in the middle of a meeting her."

Cal's response was as abrupt as it was monumental. "N'tho's a Force Sensitive."

Both Lasky and 'Juran looked at each other. For a moment, the two shared a silent conversation, then Lasky turned back to Cal. "Explain."

"OK," Cal said. "I was at the simulator deck at a spar that N'tho invited me to partake in. While we were sparring, I caught him off guard, then he extended his hand but didn't touch me. The next thing I knew, I was literally flying through the air, while N'tho was acting like he had a combination of a migraine headache and a panic attack. I managed to calm him down, but I now know that he has a very strong connection to the Force."

"Cortana, can you bring up a video feed of the Simulator Deck when this happened?"

"Already did," Cortana said.

Both Lasky and 'Juran watched the feed carefully. A gasp escaped 'Juran's mandibles when N'tho made a pushing motion, with Cal being promptly blasted through the air like a grenade had gone off, only none had, and N'tho hadn't even touched Cal. Lasky's eyes widened. "Is there anything else?" he asked.

"Yes," Cortana said. "At the moment N'tho made that pushing motion, I detected an unknown energy source. When I attempted to trace it, I was unable to do so. I also checked for anything that might've seemed out of place, from gravity fields to electromagnetic fields. Nothing anomalous came up; only that anomalous energy that I couldn't trace. It's almost as though N'tho threw him away with nothing but his mind."

Lasky frowned. I believe Cortana, but I need one more piece of evidence to see if this is the case. Looking at Cal, he said, "Could you and N'tho do a demonstration?"

"Certainly," Cal said. "N'tho, your energy sword, please?" N'tho handed it to Cal, who then handed it to Lasky. "Lasky, keep a strong grip on that thing. N'tho, use the Force to pull it towards you." N'tho nodded, then extended a hand out, like he was reaching to grab something.

For a moment, Lasky felt nothing. Then, it was like an invisible hand had grabbed the energy sword and pulled with all of its might. Lasky gripped it tightly, so much so that when that pull came, he was promptly yanked from his chair, whereupon he landed face first onto the ground. The force of the landing caused him to let go, with the energy sword flying into N'tho's hand. In an instant, it activated, projecting the twin pronged blade. Scrambling to his feet, Lasky looked at the energy sword in shock. Nearby, 'Juran shouted something in her language. Whether it was a curse word, or an exclamation, he couldn't tell.

N'tho switched the energy sword off. "Is that proof enough for you?"

"Cortana?" Lasky asked. "Did you -"

"-detect the same anomalous energy?" Cortana finished. "I did. Again, I checked for any signs of deception or what most people call 'stage magic.' There was no such sign. Only that anomalous energy signature."

There was no doubt at all in Lasky's mind following those words. He ran a hand over his hair. "Son of a bitch! First this crazy-ass galaxy, then the tech inside of it, and now we've got a Sangheili that can use the Force!" He shook his head. "What did I do to deserve all of this?!"

"I don't know," 'Juran said. "It's almost as though you're a strangeness magnet, Lasky."

"Or it could be the will of the Force," Cal added. "I don't know how, but somehow, now that I've seen all of this, you were meant to come to our galaxy, Lasky. We were meant to find out about the UNSC, and now that I've seen all of this, I know that N'tho was meant to discover his connection to the Force. If there's one thing that I know for certain, it's that nothing happens by coincidence. There are no random events, but we might never uncover all of the reasons why they happen."

"You speak with wisdom beyond your years," 'Juran said. "Lasky, he's right. We might never now why we came here, but we do know that we were meant to come to this new galaxy. Could it be that N'tho's connection to this Force makes him a small piece of a much larger puzzle?"

Lasky mulled over the possibilities in his mind, then nodded. "Yeah," he said. "I'm not sure about all of this being due to this Force, but ever since we've arrived here, I've gotten the odd feeling that we needed to come here." He shrugged. "Oh, well… Might as well roll the dice and see what happens next. That being said, we need to figure out what to do now. Cal, what do you think we should do? You're the expert here, so you know what we've got to do."

Cal frowned. "That's true, though there are a number of people out there that can provide you with better advice on what to do. Given that we don't have those people on hand, I can only give you this piece of advice: N'tho has to be trained on how to use the Force."

"Why?" Lasky asked. "Isn't it connected to his mind? Shouldn't he know how to use it already?"

"He can, but he only knows the basics," Cal said, "plus he's not used to using the Force. One of the very first lessons a Jedi, or any Force Sensitive for that matter, needs to learn is how to control their innate power, to focus it if you will. If he's not trained in how to do so, any action he undertakes with the Force has the potential to spell disaster for himself and anyone around him.

"In addition to that, he only knows the basic uses of the Force. There are so many ways to use the Force that it becomes incredibly dizzying. N'tho's going to have to learn them, however, if he is to achieve his full potential in the Force. Besides, he'll also have to be taught how to recognize the difference between the Light Side of the Force and the Dark Side of the Force, so that he can use the Force in a responsible manner. If any one of those things isn't taught to him, we'll be looking at a recipe for disaster, and I'm not joking about that. I know countless examples of what happens if a Force Sensitive doesn't learn how to control their powers, or is lured to the Dark Side by a malevolent individual."

Lasky frowned. Damn. It's not going to be as easy as I thought it would be. Sighing, he said, "All right. Given that's the case, then we're going to have to get him trained on how to use the Force responsibly. Is there anyone out there that can do so?"

"I can," Cal said, "and Merrin can too but she and I are not the best out there. I'm a Jedi Knight and she's a Nightsister. That's good, but we'd need someone that was part of the Jedi Order once. Asking Palpatine and Vader is out of the question. They use the Dark Side, and if I know anything about the Dark side, it's that you don't want N'tho to become a Dark Side Force Sensitive. I can tell you that much out of the gate."

"Any ideas?"

"I've got a couple," Cal said. "During some of my missions, I heard mention of a Jedi Master called Ram Kota. Apparently, he survived the Jedi Purge because he didn't trust his Clones to remain loyal to him. Instead of relying on them, he created his own personal militia, with each member being loyal to him."

"Anyone else?" Lasky asked. "If you know of anyone else, tell us. The sooner you do, the better."

"I do," Cal said. "His name was Master Yoda. He was one of the most powerful Jedi in the Jedi Order, and he was a member of the Jedi Council at the time the Jedi Purge happened. The only trouble, though, is that I don't know where he is. However, if we can find him, I can't imagine a better teacher for N'tho. Yoda's over nine hundred years old and, as far as I know, he's still alive and well today, if rumor is to be believed."

Lasky whistled. "Any Jedi that old that's still around would be a wellspring of knowledge."

"Yeah," Cal said. "There was also someone else named Obi-Wan Kenobi. He was a Jedi Knight, but I don't know if he survived the Jedi Purge. Beyond that, I don't know anyone else that could train N'tho. I do know, however, of a sect of knowledge seekers that might be able to help him."

"And those would be?" 'Juran asked.

"The Anchorites and the Hidden Path," Lasky said. "Both of those factions revered the Jedi. If I make it clear that we're training N'tho to be a Sangheili Jedi, which he's going to have to be because of his connection to the Force, they'll do what they can to help him. I've also got the coordinates for where they are currently at."

"And that would be?"

"Tanalorr," Cal said. Producing a small datadisk, he said, "This data disk holds the location of Tanalorr and a few other places I've been too, including Koboh, where you'll find a partially disassembled Lucrehulk sphere, as well as Zeffo, where there's a Ventator-class star destroyer that's partially submerged in water, so you might want your teams equipped with diving gear when they go to Zeffo. Those locations could be of key interest to you."

Lasky took the datadisk. "Thank you. We'll examine the information on it at a later time. Also, thanks for bringing this development to our attention. We'll be sure to keep an eye out."

"No need to thank me," Cal said. "Just doing my part. Take care now." Turning around, both he and N'tho walked out of the room.

Lasky facepalmed himself. "Wow… This is one crazy-ass galaxy we're in, and now N'tho has mind powers now." He make a tsk sound. "Isn't life dandy?"

"I suppose so," 'Juran said. "While it is a strange development, we now have a way of exploring a new possibility for defeating the Empire while also gaining knowledge on what the Force really is. We'd be fools not to pursue this line of inquiry."

"Yeah," Lask said. "I'll contact the New Republic via encrypted channels and see if they can find this 'Ram Kota' and 'Starkiller' that Cal mentioned. Either one of them could be of tremendous help in getting N'tho the training he needs. We'll also have to begin a manhunt for Yoda, but something tells me that Kota or Starkiller might know where Yoda's taken refuge from the Empire. Survivors do talk to each other from time to time, after all."

"Agreed," 'Juran said. "I will leave you to handle that, Lasky. I have high hopes, however, that you shall make the right choice."

Lasky nodded. "I can agree with you on that. I'll also inform HIGHCOM of this development. We'll need N'tho kept safe from Section Three. If they find out about this…" He shivered at the thought.

. . .

Far away in another part of the galaxy, Garm Bel Iblis read through the report that Lasky, with HIGHCOM's permission, had sent him on the Battle of Genarius. Lasky certainly knows how to make an entrance, especially when it comes to dealing with the pirate threat, he thought. I'll bet that any pirates out there are gonna think twice about taking them on again.

A more politically inclined part of him, however, had guessed a reason why the UNSC might've sent him this report. They want to make it clear that they can project power in the galaxy, and they're telling not just us, but the Empire as well. Putting it down, he looked at the rest of Rebel High Command. "Well, have we all finished reading this report?"

"We have," said Vasp. "I must admit, RADM Lasky is an incredibly bold man to conduct an operation of this scale. There are many that would balk at taking on such an incredibly risky endeavor."

"Some might say that he's too bold," Nower said. "I don't think I need to tell all of you that I'm one of those people."

"I don't think he was being too bold," Tynnra said. "Having learned a lot about the UEG, and its laws, I think Lasky might've acted quite appropriately."

"Indeed," Mon Mothma agreed. "However, Lasky's attack on the Cularin system was more than just a rescue operation and anti-piracy operation rolled into a single mission. It was a direct political statement to the Empire."

"That statement being?" Nower asked.

"That they won't allow criminal syndicates to do what they please," Iblis answered. "That they're going to take the fact that the Empire's allowed crime to thrive and rub it in their faces. What better way to jab at the Empire politically than to take care of a problem they have neglected for some time?"

"A good question," Vasp said. "If there's one thing I know about the Galactic Empire, it's that they really, really hate it when someone fixes a problem they've neglected, then proceeds to humiliate them for it."

"Very true," Iblis said. "That being said, this is a sign that we need to become more active than we've been before. With that in mind, I'll go ahead and ask everyone here about their duties. Nower, have you been busy gathering financial support for the Rebel Alliance?"

"I have," Nower said. "I don't like the fact that the UEG decided to force us to cooperate in return for financial compensation, but it is, admittedly, necessary. They've been diverting some money to us from the shell companies their intelligence agency has created. The profits from the use of organ flash cloning have been staggering, to say the least. We could fuel the entire New Republic with the profits from that alone, and that's no joke."

So, Nower's finally warming up to the UEG, Iblis thought. How very predictable, but appreciated. "Mon Mothma?"

"With the UNSC's assistance in the matter, I have been able to sway more systems to our cause," Mon Mothma said. "We have had to keep this as clandestine as possible due to the Empire, but so far, we've got the assured support of numerous star systems within our quadrant of the known galaxy."

"I've also been busy getting new centers of manufacturing set up," Vasp said. "It's been quite… interesting, to say the least. Most of the corporations we've convinced to aid us have secretly converted some of their factories to produce the necessary armaments and weapons needed to arm the Alliance. The UNSC's shell companies have been of great help there as well."

Before long, Iblis had gotten a report from the other Secretaries, and all of them were good. "Excellent," he said. "The fact that we now have stable and strong supply lines, as well as the means by which to support the Rebel Alliance is good news. Now, all we have to do is continue to grow our numbers and industrial base. Once the war begins, it'll be up to us and the UNSC to attack the Empire from two fronts at the same time."

"Agreed," Mon Mothma said. "We will have to wait on the UEG and UNSC in this regard, though something tells me that, very shortly, the UNSC may strike."

"Maybe," Iblis said. "Maybe…"

. . .

At Coruscant, Palpatine and the other members of the Imperial Council watched the HoloNet feeds intently, both eyes focused on the carnage that they showed. Impressive, he thought as he watched the UNSC forces at Despatar steamroll through the pirates. Most impressive. It would appear as though they are more than just a small expeditionary force.

The politically savvy part of him, however, knew what this was. The turbolift doors ahead of his throne opened, with Darth Vader stepping into view. He bowed as he entered. "Rise, my apprentice," Palpatine said. "I am sure that you are aware of what has been happening, yes?"

"How could I not?" Vader asked rhetorically. "The UNSC has invaded the Cularin system, a den of thieves and murderers, to exact justice for the attacks on the system they have occupied. A most fitting end for a wretched hive of scum."

"Most fitting?!" a member of the Imperial Council nearly shrieked out. "This is a direct challenge to us from the UNSC! They're literally flaunting the fact that they can invade a system in our faces, without us being able to do anything about it! This is an insult of the highest order! I demand action!"

"Calm yourself," Pesage said to the man in question. "You are right in that it is an insult, but it is also something of a wake-up call to us. We have been ignoring this problem for a long time in favor of furthering our power, as necessary as it has been. However, it isn't all that bad. We now see how the UNSC wages war, and it is very interesting."

"That it is," Palpatine said. "However, it is more than just a challenge to us, it is a showcase of their strength. Even after being nearly annihilated by the Covenant, they are still able to defend themselves ably. They have even turned one of their enemies, the Sangheili, to their side, and they are most interesting."

"Indeed," Vader said. He had seen the Sangheili assisting the UNSC, and they had intrigued him. In many ways, they are like us, but they are different in so many other ways. Now I can see why the Force warned me about them. "They are a force that is not to be trifled with."

"Indeed," Palpatine said. "We will discuss that matter at another time. For now, you may go." As the others left, he said, "Would you stay for a while longer, Vader?"

"Yes, Master," Vader said.

Before long, Vader and Palpatine were the only ones in the room. When the room was empty, Palpatine said, "You felt it too, haven't you, my apprentice?"

"Yes," Vader said. "A tremor in the Force. I believe that a being connected to the Force has awoken that connection, and rather violently as well."

"Indeed," Palpatine said. "Your Inquisitors will have to learn who it is, though I suspect that the UNSC is involved."

"They will not take kindly to Inquisitors coming to pester them with questions or to investigate the possible presence of Jedi in the region."

"That they will not," Palpatine said. "I will, however, stress to them the importance of imprisoning any Jedi that they find. That being said, I would like to ask of you a question. When you see the UNSC in battle, what do you see?"

Vader mused over the question carefully. "I see a military that is willing to do what is necessary to secure the safety of the government it serves."

"Very true, but there is more to it than that. I see a military that is unfettered in its means of completing its mission. The use of nuclear weapons, while barbaric in a way, has demonstrated to me that no method of attack is too low for the UNSC if it means that they achieve victory. They remind me of us in a way."

"Indeed," Vader said. "I will see to it that we find the source of the Force tremor. Doing so will aid us greatly."

"Indeed, Vader. You have my leave now." As Vader left, Palpatine watched the holographic image of a man appear before him. "Yes?" he said.

"The UEG President is wishing to speak to you," the man said. "It concerns the recent development at the Cularin System."

"I see. Inform her that I shall be speaking to her shortly." As the hologram faded, he frowned. It is time to tell them about the Far Outsiders, he thought. This shows that they might be highly useful against them, if only as cannon fodder.

. . .

There was another man that was watching the video feeds as well. How very interesting, Garon thought as he watched the naval battle between the UNSC and the criminals of Genarius. The UNSC finally shows their hand in terms of military strength. I must admit, the parallels between them and my clan are more numerous than I had imagined.

Still, I can see this military attack for what it is. It is not only a show of arms and strength, it is a direct political jab directed at the Galactic Empire. He smiled. I might be able to use this to my advantage. Not only will it allow me to learn more about them, it will allow me to begin my other plans.

He frowned as he recalled that faint feeling that he'd gotten. Some part of him suspected that feeling was due to the UNSC's involvement, but he now had a feeling that something grand was being undertaken. The future changes, and I must change my tactics accordingly.

. . .

Inside of her office, Charet tapped a finger on her desk as she waited for Palpatine to pick up. The holographic image of Leia hovered over her desk. "He should be calling any minute now," she said. "He might be taking his time."

"He might," Charet agreed. Deep down, she frowned. He's making it clear that he sees me as an inferior to him, she noted. Why else would he take some time to speak with me, if only to draw some of my ire. She took a sip of tea from a nearby glass. Well, if it's a waiting game he wishes to play, I'll stick it out!

Her patience was soon rewarded. Before a minute had passed, Palpatine's hologram appeared over her table. "President Charet," he said. "I would like to congratulate you on your rather daring undertaking at Genarius. It is rare to find an organization that is willing to take on a nest of criminal activity like Genarius."

"Indeed," Charet said. He's being polite, but I also think he's gotten at the other meaning of the attack. "The criminal syndicates of the galaxy will soon learn that to attempt to bribe or intimidate the UNSC is to invite death itself. Still, it's such a shame that the problem was allowed to grow to the extent that it had."

"That it is," Palpatine said. "A most regrettable error on my behalf. However, your cleansing of Genarius is something to be commended, and for that, I approve."

"Thank you. However, that is not the only reason why I called you."

"And what is the other reason?" Palpatine asked.

"I would like to give Genarius back over to you."

For a moment, Palpatine seemed to be stunned, as though he hadn't expect that kind of an answer. "I see," he said at length. "May I inquire as to why?"

"For a number of reasons, really," Charet said. "For one thing, Genarius really doesn't have anything that is of interest to us. We came there to shut down the pirates in retaliation for their attack on us, nothing more, nothing less. In addition to that, Genarius is very far from UNSC territory, which means that it's even less desirable for us to handle. What better course of action, as such, than to give the system back to its rightful owner: the Galactic Empire?"

Already, Palpatine was beginning to smile, a faint ghost of a smile, but a smile nonetheless. "You are a very astute woman, President Charet. I will speak to my ministers and to Ambassador Leia about that matter. However, there is another thing I wish to speak to you about."

"And that would be?"

"Your governments actions at Genarius have impressed me greatly. More than that, you have greatly impressed the wider galaxy. As such, I wish to invite you to come to Coruscant, so that we may speak with one another about another matter that I wish to discuss in person, not over a HoloCOM call. If you can, bring Ambassador Leia and Admiral Thrawn with you as well. They are to hear of the matter from me as well."

Charet tapped her finger on the desk, eyes focused intently on Palpatine. He wants to see for himself who the leader of the UEG and UNSC is for herself, she thought. Very well, but I'll bring one of my own along as well. "Now that is an invitation I wouldn't dream of turning down. Very well, I will come, as will Leia and Thrawn. I will also be bringing one of my own with me. I'm certain he'll appreciate the chance to speak with Thrawn."

Palpatine smiled. "How fortuitous. I will ensure that, when you arrive, that you are welcomed most appropriately. That is all for now. I will leave you to your affairs." His hologram faded out.

Charet sighed. Well, now I've got something to do. Oh well… there are worse ways to see another galaxy. Looking at Leia's hologram, she said, "Did you catch all of that?"

"I did," Leia said. "I will speak with my escorts and have them begin packing my things. Thrawn will definitely be pleased by this development. Who do you plan to bring along?"

Charet smiled. "I know just the person to bring. He might've been stumbling as of late, but he is still of vital importance. I will inform you as to who that is shortly. For now, get ready for your return to your home galaxy. I'll bet you're feeling a tad homesick."

"That I will," Leia said. "And you're right: I do feel a tad homesick. It'll be nice to see home once again. Goodbye for now."

"Goodbye." Once the HoloCOM call ended, Charet keyed another one.

Within seconds, a voice said, "Madame President. Do you need something?"

"I would like to speak to Terrence Hood, the Admiral of the Navy."

"One second…" the voice said.

Within a few seconds, Hood's hologram appeared. "Yes?" he said. "What do you need, Charet?"

"I'll be needing you to pack your things."

"Why?" Hood asked.

"We're going to the Andromeda Galaxy. Palpatine decided to be gracious enough to invite us to Coruscant, the seat of governance in the Empire. As such, I want you and the UNSC Security Council to come with me, along with Leia and her entourage."

Hood frowned. "I see. You do realize this might be a trap?"

"I do," Charet said. "However, we won't know until we go. If we don't, we'll appear to be rude and condescending."

"Fair point," Hood said. "I'll have my staff get things packed up and I'll tell the others to do the. I'll speak with you some more when we meet up. See you again later."

"You too, Charet," Hood said.

Charet sighed as the hologram faded out. "Once more unto the breach," she said to no one in particularly. "I've always wanted a chance to go to another galaxy. This is it, so I might as well."